Jennings wins new trial on rape charge

JACKSON -- The Mississippi Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a new trial for Toney Jennings, who was convicted in 2011 of statutory rape in Lowndes County.

Jennings was convicted of one count of statutory rape of a then-13-year-old girl. Jennings was sentenced to 15 years with five years suspended and five years under post-release supervision.

The victim reported the incident June 9, 2010, at which time she went to the hospital.

The Supreme Court ruled that statements Jennings gave to investigators were not voluntary. The justices said Jennings never affirmed or stated or responded to investigators that he understood anything that had been read to him about his rights.

The court said prosecutors failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Jennings's waiver and statements were voluntary.